Toilet tissue dispenser

ABSTRACT

A toilet tissue dispenser comprises a housing and an access cover mounted on the housing. The housing has an interior space configured for having a roll of toilet tissue positioned therein. The housing includes spaced-apart side walls, a central wall extending between said side walls and an access opening provided between said side walls adjacent the central wall. The interior space is at least partially defined by the side walls and the central wall. The access cover is mounted on the housing over the access opening and is movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the access opening. The access opening is configured for enabling the roll of toilet tissue to be inserted therethrough into the interior space. A tissue dispensing passage is provided in the central wall for allowing sheets of the toilet tissue to be dispensed through the central wall from within the interior space.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application having Ser. No. 60/523,930 filed Nov. 21, 2003 entitled “MacMurphy J. P.”, having a common applicant herewith.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to dispensers for rolled paper products and, more particularly, to toilet tissue dispensers.

BACKGROUND

Toilet tissue rolls are typically mounted on a wall of a bathroom. Furthermore, they are often located in a very visible location. While a roll of toilet tissue does not necessarily detract aesthetically from the decor of a bathroom, it certainly does not compliment it. Accordingly, a toilet tissue dispenser that at least partially conceals a mounted roll of toilet tissue and that itself is aesthetically configured would be useful.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The inventive disclosures made herein relate to a dispenser configured for aesthetically concealing a roll of toilet tissue. Embodiments of the inventive disclosures made herein provide a novel alternative to conventional toilet tissue holders. Specifically, these embodiments include a wall-mounted toilet tissue dispenser designed to disguise a roll of toilet tissue by aesthetically concealing the roll (e.g., the housing being in the form that blends with the decor of the bathroom and/or that does not immediately attract the eye). Additionally, unlike some conventional toilet-tissue dispensers, these toilet tissue dispensers save space because they do not occupy floor space.

In one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, a toilet tissue dispenser comprises a housing and an access cover mounted on the housing. The housing has an interior space configured for having a roll of toilet tissue positioned therein. The housing includes spaced-apart side walls, a central wall extending between the side walls and an access opening provided between the side walls adjacent the central wall. The interior space is at least partially defined by the side walls and the central wall. The access cover is mounted on the housing over the access opening and is movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the access opening. The access opening is configured for enabling the roll of toilet tissue to be inserted therethrough into the interior space. A tissue dispensing passage is provided in the central wall for allowing sheets of the toilet tissue to be dispensed through the central wall from within the interior space.

In another embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, a toilet tissue dispenser comprises spaced-apart side walls, a central wall attached between the side walls and an access cover movably attached to at least one of the central wall and the side walls. The side walls and the central wall define an interior space configured for having a roll of toilet tissue positioned therein. The access cover is movable between a first position and a second position. Access to the interior space through an access opening defined by the walls and the central wall is provided when the access cover is in the first position and access to the interior space through the access opening is precluded when the access cover is in the second position. The access opening is configured for enabling the roll of toilet tissue to be inserted therethrough into the interior space. A tissue dispensing passage is provided in the central wall for allowing sheets of the toilet tissue to be dispensed through the central wall from within the interior space.

Turning now to specific embodiments of the inventive disclosures made herein, in at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, the housing includes a rear wall extending between the side walls, and the rear wall at least partially defines the interior space of the housing.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, the central wall includes a flat portion and a curved portion, the flat portion is adjacent the rear wall and the curved portion extends between the flat portion and the access opening.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, the tissue dispensing passage is provided at a transition from the flat portion to the curved portion.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, each one of the side walls includes a dowel-receiving feature configured for enabling a dowel for a roll of toilet tissue to be mounted on the housing.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, the dowel-receiving feature includes a hole, a pocket and/or a slot.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, the dowel-receiving feature of each one of the side walls is configured for positioning a longitudinal axis of the dowel generally perpendicular to the side walls.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, a hinge is attached between the housing and the access cover for enabling the access cover to be pivotally moved between the open position and the closed position.

In at least one embodiment of the inventive disclosures made herein, an accessory unit enclosure is attached to the housing (e.g., a wall thereof) and/or the access cover, wherein the accessory unit enclosure contains at least one of a nightlight, a clock and an air freshener.

These and other objects and embodiments of the inventive disclosures made herein will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and associated drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a toilet tissue dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the inventive disclosure made herein.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 2-2 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is fragmentary view of the toilet tissue dispenser of FIG. 1 having a roll of toilet tissue mounted thereon.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a toilet tissue dispenser 10 in accordance with the inventive disclosures made herein. The toilet tissue dispenser 10 includes a housing 12 and an access cover 14. The housing 12 has an interior space 16 configured for having a roll of toilet tissue 18 (FIG. 2) positioned therein. The housing 12 includes spaced-apart side walls 20, a rear wall 21, a central wall 22 and an access opening 24. The central wall 22 and the rear wall 21 extends between the side walls 20, with the central wall 22 terminating into the rear wall 21. The access opening 24 is provided between the side walls 20, the rear wall 21 and the central wall 22. One or more of the walls of the housing 12 are configured for enabling the toilet tissue dispenser 10 to be mounted on a wall of a bathroom. For example, one or more of the walls may include mounting provisions such as holes and/or a mounting bracket arrangement.

The interior space 16 is defined by the side walls 20, the rear wall 21 and the central wall 22. The access opening 24 is configured for enabling the roll of toilet tissue 18 to be inserted through the access opening 24 into the interior space 16. The access cover 14 is mounted on the housing 12 over the access opening 24. The access cover 14 is movable between an open position O and a closed position C with respect to the access opening 24. When in the open position O, access to the interior space 16 through the access opening 24 is provided. When in the closed position C, the access cover 14 precludes access to the interior space 16 through the access opening 24. A plurality of hinges 25 are attached between the housing 12 and the access cover 14 for enabling the access cover 14 to be pivotally moved between the open position O and the closed position C. In an alternate embodiment, the hinges 25 are connected between the access cover 14 and the wall on which the housing 12 is mounted, rather than to the housing 12.

As depicted, the central wall 22 includes a flat portion 26 and a curved portion 28. The flat portion 26 is adjacent the rear wall 21. The curved portion 28 extends between the flat portion 26 and the access opening 24. In view of the inventive disclosures made herein, a skilled person will appreciate other profiles for the central wall 22 and side walls 20. For example, the central wall 22 may include a flat bottom portion and a flat front portion at generally a right angle to the flat bottom portion, thus making the shape of the housing 12 essentially rectangular.

A tissue dispensing passage 30 is provided in the central wall 22. The tissue dispensing passage 30 allows for sheets of the toilet tissue 18 to be dispensed through the central wall 22 from within the interior space 16 of the housing 12. Preferably, but not necessarily, the tissue dispensing passage 30 is provided at a transition from the flat portion 26 to the curved portion 30 of the central wall 22. It is disclosed herein that the tissue dispensing passage 30 may be provided in the flat portion 26 of the central wall 22 or in the curved portion 28 of the central wall 22. In practice, the tissue dispensing passage 30 may be in any portion of the central wall 22.

Each one of the side walls 20 includes a dowel-receiving feature 32. The dowel-receiving feature 32 is configured for enabling a dowel 34 for the roll of toilet tissue 18 to be mounted on the housing 12 within the interior space 24. Examples of the dowel-receiving feature 32 include, but are not limited to, a hole, a pocket and a slot. Preferably, but not necessarily, the dowel-receiving feature 32 of each one of said side walls 20 is configured for positioning a longitudinal axis of the dowel generally perpendicular to the side walls 20.

In use, the toilet tissue dispenser 10 is mounted on a wall adjacent to a toilet. The roll of toilet tissue 18 is mounted accordingly. Sheets of the toilet tissue 18 can be pulled from the housing 12 through the tissue dispensing passage 30. Accordingly, the toilet tissue dispenser 10 prevents dust from settling on the toilet tissue 18 and aesthetically conceals the roll of toilet tissue 18. When needed, the access cover 14 can be opened for allowing the supply of toilet tissue 18 to be replenished.

The embodiment of the toilet tissue dispenser depicted in FIGS. 1-3 is configured for completely replacing a conventional toilet tissue dispenser. In at least one alternate embodiment, a toilet tissue dispenser in accordance with the inventive disclosures made herein is configured for covering an existing toilet tissue dispenser. In this manner, such an embodiment of a toilet tissue does not include provisions for having a roll or toilet tissue mounted thereon. But, it does include provisions for enabling sheets of toilet tissue to be dispensed from within a cavity of the dispenser.

It is disclosed herein that a toilet tissue dispenser in accordance with the inventive disclosures made herein may include an accessory unit enclosure and, optionally, one or more associated accessory units. Examples of the accessory unit enclosure include an enclosure for a nightlight assembly, an enclosure for a clock assembly, and an enclosure for an air freshening assembly. It is disclosed herein that the accessory unit enclosure may be integral with one or more walls of a housing of the dispenser or with an access cover of the dispenser. Additionally, the enclosure may be fixedly or removably attached to the housing.

A toilet paper dispenser in accordance with the inventive disclosures made herein may be made from any number of commercially available, proprietary and/or known materials. Examples of such materials include wood, plastic, metal and or ceramic, which may be formed using any number of known fabrication techniques (e.g., injection molding, extrusion, carving, combination of discrete components, casting, hand sculpting, etc). To add decorative appeal to such materials, they may treated by means such as, for example, plating, coating, glazing and/or painting. Additionally, such dispensers may be made from various combinations of types of materials (e.g., a ceramic housing with a glass access cover).

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice embodiments of the inventive disclosures made herein. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, chemical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. To avoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 

1. A toilet tissue dispenser, comprising: a housing having an interior space configured for having a roll of toilet tissue positioned therein, wherein the housing includes spaced-apart side walls, a central wall extending between said side walls and an access opening provided between said side walls adjacent the central wall, wherein the interior space is at least partially defined by said side walls and the central wall, wherein the access opening is configured for enabling the roll of toilet tissue to be inserted therethrough into the interior space and wherein a tissue dispensing passage is provided in the central wall for allowing sheets of said toilet tissue to be dispensed through the central wall from within the interior space of the housing; and an access cover mounted on the housing over the access opening, wherein the access cover is movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the access opening.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein: the housing includes a rear wall extending between said side walls; and the rear wall at least partially defines the interior space of the housing.
 3. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein: the central wall includes a flat portion and a curved portion; the flat portion is adjacent the rear wall; and the curved portion extends between the flat portion and the access opening.
 4. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the tissue dispensing passage is provided at a transition from the flat portion to the curved portion.
 5. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein each one of said side walls includes a dowel-receiving feature configured for enabling a dowel for a roll of toilet tissue to be mounted on the housing.
 6. The dispenser of claim 5 wherein the dowel-receiving feature is one of a hole, a pocket and a slot.
 7. The dispenser of claim 5 wherein the dowel-receiving feature of each one of said side walls is configured for positioning a longitudinal axis of the dowel generally perpendicular to said side walls.
 8. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: a hinge attached between the housing and the access cover for enabling the access cover to be pivotally moved between the open position and the closed position.
 9. The dispenser of claim 1, further comprising: an accessory unit enclosure attached to one of said side walls, wherein the accessory unit enclosure contains at least one of a nightlight, a clock and an air freshener.
 10. A toilet tissue dispenser, comprising: a housing having an interior space configured for having a roll of toilet tissue positioned therein, wherein the housing includes spaced-apart side walls, a central wall extending between said side walls, a rear wall extending between said side walls and an access opening provided between said side walls adjacent the central wall, wherein the interior space is at least partially defined by said side walls, the central wall and the rear wall, wherein the access opening is configured for enabling the roll of toilet tissue to be inserted therethrough into the interior space, wherein each one of said side walls includes a dowel-receiving feature configured for enabling a dowel for a roll of toilet tissue to be mounted on the housing and wherein a tissue dispensing passage is provided in the central wall for allowing sheets of said toilet tissue to be dispensed through the central wall from within the interior space of the housing; an access cover mounted on the housing over the access opening, wherein the access cover is movable between an open position and a closed position with respect to the access opening; a hinge attached between the housing and the access cover for enabling the access cover to be pivotally moved between the open position and the closed position; and an accessory unit enclosure attached to one of said side walls, wherein the accessory unit enclosure contains at least one of a nightlight, a clock and an air freshener.
 11. The dispenser of claim 10 wherein: the central wall includes a flat portion and a curved portion; the flat portion is adjacent the rear wall; and the curved portion extends between the flat portion and the access opening.
 12. The dispenser of claim 10 wherein the tissue dispensing passage is provided at a transition from the flat portion to the curved portion.
 13. The dispenser of claim 10 wherein: the dowel-receiving feature is one of a hole, a pocket and a slot; and the dowel receiving feature of each one of said side walls is configured for positioning a longitudinal axis of the dowel generally perpendicular to said side walls.
 14. A toilet tissue dispenser, comprising: spaced-apart side walls; a central wall attached between said side walls; and an access cover movably attached to at least one of the central wall and said side walls; wherein said side walls and said central wall define an interior space configured for having a roll of toilet tissue positioned therein; wherein the access cover is movable between a first position and a second position; wherein access to the interior space through an access opening defined by said side walls and the central wall is provided when the access cover is in the first position and access to the interior space through the access opening is precluded when the access cover is in the second position; wherein the access opening is configured for enabling the roll of toilet tissue to be inserted therethrough into the interior space; wherein a tissue dispensing passage is provided in the central wall for allowing sheets of said toilet tissue to be dispensed through the central wall from within the interior space.
 15. The dispenser of claim 14, further comprising: a rear wall extending between said side walls, wherein the rear wall at least partially defines the interior space.
 16. The dispenser of claim 14 wherein: the central wall includes a flat portion and a curved portion; the flat portion is adjacent the rear wall; the curved portion extends between the flat portion and the access opening; and the tissue dispensing passage is provided at a transition from the flat portion to the curved portion.
 17. The dispenser of claim 14 wherein: each one of said side walls includes a dowel-receiving feature configured for enabling a dowel for a roll of toilet tissue to be mounted within the interior space; the dowel-receiving feature is one of a hole, a pocket and a slot; and the dowel receiving feature of each one of said sidewalls is configured for positioning a longitudinal axis of the dowel generally perpendicular to said side walls.
 18. The dispenser of claim 14, further comprising: an accessory unit enclosure attached to one of said side walls, wherein the accessory unit enclosure contains at least one of a nightlight, a clock and an air freshener.
 19. The dispenser of claim 14, further comprising: a rear wall extending between said side walls, wherein the rear wall at least partially defines the interior space; and wherein: the central wall includes a flat portion and a curved portion; the flat portion is adjacent the rear wall; the curved portion extends between the flat portion and the access opening; the tissue dispensing passage is provided at a transition from the flat portion to the curved portion; each one of said side walls includes a dowel-receiving feature configured for enabling a dowel for a roll of toilet tissue to be mounted within the interior space; the dowel-receiving feature is one of a hole, a pocket and a slot; and the dowel-receiving feature of each one of said walls is configured for positioning a longitudinal axis of the dowel generally perpendicular to said side walls. 